Small Wind Turbine – Ryan Somma

When travelling in remote areas, sometimes it is possible to view gigantic wind-mill structures working to provide ‘green’ energy, not only to supplement existing energy sources – in order to provide enough for Earth’s inhabitants – but also to provide renewable energy which does nothing but utilize the power of the wind.

No coal is mined or burned. No trees are chopped. No fossil fuels are drilled for or piped. It is not only earth-friendly – it is consumer-friendly. Less manpower means less expense to consumers. Not every resident sees this difference in their power bill, but that is changing, especially with the increased utilization of small wind turbines. Like personal wind mills, these versions are adaptable to properties of rural homes and businesses and in some cases even urban homesteaders.

Uses of Small Wind Power Turbines

• Drinking water purification
• Irrigation
• Telecommunications
• Off grid home facility power
• Reduction of electric power bills

A Californian Case Study

The Rhyames, a Californian family, installed a small wind turbine (80 foot tower – 100 feet is allowed in most Californian counties) in 2002. California’s electricity is the most expensive nationally. Their goal was to power their 2,000 sq. ft. home, barn, and office above their barn. Their wind power installation was half paid for by California government incentives.

Their investment, and power, was estimated to pay for itself entirely within five to seven years. A detailed description of cases like these and experiences of those who have switched to small wind power turbines in California can be read about in a manual designed to help readers learn from the experiences of those who have made the investment already.

A 30% Tax Federal Tax Credit Benefit for Homes and Businesses

With the federal tax credit, families like the Rhyames’ can continue to benefit from making the switch, as can rural homesteaders who install small wind power turbines. In Oregon, a rural consumer can receive up to $6,000 in incentives for installing small wind turbine energy, or $1,500 per year for four years – up to 50% of the cost of installation. A database called DSIRE lists state incentives for ‘going green’ by investing in efficient-use energy and renewable energy options. Everything state funded to save energy iis listed out state by state. Wind power turbines are not only state but federally funded with grants and incentives.

Small, Personal Wind Power Machines Used for Homesteading

Families are used to making an investment in a vehicle, and it makes sense to opt for the most fuel efficient, technologically advanced models. These same families have often not yet learned how to make an investment in their power source. Owning power and the equipment from which it is sourced is not yet a typical expense when buying or maintaining a home. Unlike shopping for efficient appliances, shopping for small wind power turbines might require a little more public relating.

As in the case of the Rhyames, however, with their initial investment paid off, the new federal tax incentive basically pays them for owning the device from which their power is created. This is because the power, or energy, is green, renewable, and it limits the number of consumers for which the government must find ways to provide power. It was once a rare sight to view a satellite dish on a property. Now, with cable companies like dish network, compact dishes are often seen on at least several homes per neighborhood and are often a must in rural areas. Maybe one day, green, renewable energy sources like small wind turbines will be as commonly viewed as cable dishes.

Around the Globe

Renewable energy in developing countries where electricity is often quite expensive is a god-send. Many countries purchase their power from super power nations, often at exhorbenant prices. Small wind turbines are coming to the rescue in some cases, but the spread is much slower than need be. One capability of small wind turbines which could really help around the globe is water purification and treatment.

• Afghanistan is using these small turbines to treat water where people are filtering back to areas after the dissolution of Taliban regimes.
• New Zealand and Nepal have experimented with the use of small wind turbines.
• In China, nomads of Mongolia often use small wind turbines to provide luxury appliances to yurt housing, packing up to move two times each year, wind turbines and all.
• In India, specifically Aruna Pradesh, wind power provides electricity to villagers who might not have any amid the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.

To find out more about the specifics of wind power, read our web page with a set of frequently asked questions about small wind turbines for rural areas.

Share and Enjoy

Share and Enjoy